New Study Demonstrates That Colorado Public Library Use Increased
During The Recession

The
Library Research Service, an office of the Colorado State Library, today
released “The Impact of the Recession on Public Library Use in
Colorado.”

The
study examines use of Colorado public libraries (measured by visits,
circulation, program attendance and Internet computer use) both prior to
and after the onset of the recent recession.

The
study found that from 2006 to 2007 (prior to the recession), visits per
capita, circulation per capita, program attendance per 1,000 served and
Internet computer use per capita remained relatively static or decreased
in Colorado public libraries.

In
contrast, visits, circulation and program attendance all increased
during the recession (from 2007 to 2009) by at least 11 percent for
libraries serving large communities (populations of 25,000 or more).
Higher use during this period was also seen in resort communities.
Visits, circulation, program attendance and Internet computer use all
increased by between 6 percent and 28 percent in public libraries
serving these communities. Libraries serving small communities
(populations under 25,000) were not included in the study because of
missing and anomalous data.

Public libraries have been a key resource for Coloradans during both the
recession and the post-recession recovery period, providing community
gathering space, access to entertainment and educational resources, and
information about job hunting, economizing and other topics that are
particularly relevant during this time.

Assistant Commissioner Eugene Hainer commented, “This study supports
what many people know, but that the media and political leaders rarely
acknowledge; libraries – and the staff therein – are essential assets to
communities in times of financial stress. Far from being just places for
books and children’s stories, libraries are a critical lifeline to state
residents from all walks of life.”